Several local caddies honored as Evans Scholars

GOLF, Illinois – A year ago, Grady Quinn’s father passed away after a sudden heart attack. The loss was devastating for the family, both emotionally and financially.

“My family was distraught and in disbelief at our new reality,” said Grady. “The months following his passing were tough for my whole family. It has put a large burden on my mom, who works harder than anyone I know to provide for my family.”

On top of dealing with losing his biggest role model in life, Grady’s dreams of attending college also were in doubt – until he earned the Evans Scholarship.

Grady, from Cincinnati, was among a group of students from Ohio and Michigan who interviewed for the Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship – a full, four-year housing and tuition college scholarship awarded to golf caddies – on Dec. 4 at Sylvania Country Club near Toledo. Eighteen, including Grady, were subsequently awarded the scholarship and will begin college next fall.

“Receiving the Evans Scholarship has been one of the greatest blessings of my life,” said Grady, a senior at Moeller High School who was awarded the scholarship to Miami University. “I have dreamt of receiving this honor since I began caddying at Hyde Park Country Club. I know this will help me achieve a successful future.”

Evans Scholars are chosen based on demonstrating a strong caddie record, excellent academics, demonstrated financial need and outstanding character. The scholarship is valued at more than $80,000 over four years. Selected students will attend a school where the Foundation owns and operates an Evans Scholarship House, including Ohio State University in and Miami University.

The Ohio selection meeting was the third of more than a dozen meetings the Western Golf Association will hold across the country through March, with more scholarships to be awarded.

The WGA has administered the Chick Evans Scholarship Program through the Evans Scholars Foundation since 1930. One of golf’s favorite charities, it is among the nation’s largest privately funded scholarship programs.

“Based on their excellence in the classroom and their service to their schools and communities, there is little doubt that these young men and women have earned this life-changing opportunity,” said John Kaczkowski, President and CEO of the WGA.

Currently, 870 caddies are enrolled in colleges across the nation as Evans Scholars, and more than 10,000 caddies have graduated as Evans Scholars since the program was founded by famed Chicago amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr.

“The selection process for Evans Scholars is extensive and very demanding,” said Joe Desch, lead WGA Director in the state of Ohio and an Evans Alum. “Only the candidates with the highest qualifications who experience significant financial need are awarded Evans Scholarships. All 18 of our new Ohio Evans Scholars have demonstrated excellence as caddies, students and active participants in their schools and communities.”